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Harry Redknapp
Harry Redknapp Interview
Andy Greeves
Whenever a transfer window is open, one manager always likely to 'do a deal' is Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp.
The East Ender has built a reputation as something of a 'Del Boy' over the years - a fast talking cockney with an eye for a bargain. In seven seasons as manager of West Ham United, he was involved in 134 transfers - a staggering 19 ins and outs a season. He also brought 44 players to Portsmouth in his first 30 month spell at the club. He revitalised the careers of the likes of Paolo Di Canio, Paul Merson and David James, who were floundering prior to Redknapp signing them.
In just over eighteen months with Tottenham, he's taken the north Londoners from the bottom of the Premier League to the Champions League, ably assisted by signings such as Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Wilson Palacios and Niko Kranjcar. As the Lilywhites prepare for one of the biggest season's in the club's history, you can be sure their wheeler-dealer boss has a few ideas when it comes to improving their squad further.
Soccerphile speaks exclusively to Harry Redknapp and asks him about his plans for this summer's transfer market.
Soccerphile: There's been a lot of speculation regarding Joe Cole possibly a Spurs player this summer. Is there any truth in these stories?
Redknapp: Joe Cole is a player I like and yes, I have spoken to him this summer. As a free agent, there's obviously lots of clubs that want to sign him, but I think we have a decent chance of getting him. I've always had a lot of respect for Joe. He's a great player and the best I have ever seen at school boy level.
He's still got a lot to offer and as he's in the prime of his career currently, he should be playing regularly. I don't think worrying about when he was going to be substituted at Chelsea last season was particularly good for his game if I'm honest.
Soccerphile: How close are Tottenham to doing some business in the current transfer window?
Redknapp: We're a long way off doing anything in the transfer market at the moment. I'd like to bring in a few players this summer and there's a few that want to leave. So I expect us to have a bit of a change in personnel, but nothing too significant.
Soccerphile: Are there any players at this summer's World Cup who have taken you eye?
Redknapp: I've been watching the World Cup with interest, but I don't think it's the case that there's anyone that's surprised me as such. Football is such a global game now and so widely covered, you have a knowledge of players all round the world.
There are a few players in the Uruguay team I like. Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan have been one of the best striking partnerships in the competition and I also rate the winger Edinson Cavani. We've had those players watched during the season for their clubs but that's all there is to say. They are just a few individuals around the world who we've been keeping tabs on.
On the back of their World Cup performances these players are going to be very expensive, so whether we can even afford them, I don't know.
Soccerphile: Palermo president Mauricio Zamparini claims that Spurs have made a £28m bid for Simon Kjaer (Danish centre-half) and Edinson Cavani. Is this true?
Redknapp: There's nothing in Palermo's claims that we've bid for Cavani and Kjaer (Danish centre-half) again. Kjaer and Cavani are players we've looked at in the past, but our scouts look at hundreds of players. There's always a lot of speculation surrounding Spurs and transfers but talking to you now, I can say for sure, there's been no bids for players from us so far.
The market is very quiet at the moment. Not only have we not really made any firm approaches for anyone, no-one has come in for any of our lads. I don't think there will be much business until the World Cup has finished. Clubs are playing a waiting game for sure. The other thing is, you are waiting for a big transfer to happen at the top of the tree, to trigger a chain and get the money flowing like in the property market.
Maybe James Milner's possible transfer will be the one that sets the wheels in motion this summer.
Soccerphile: Jonathan Woodgate has been out of action since last November, so his return your side would almost feel like a new signing. Is he likely to be playing any time soon?
Redknapp: Jonathan has been out to Australia for the last six months, having had surgery on his groin injury and then undergoing a rehabilitation programme with specialists there. It's early days as far as a return to the side goes with him. We are hoping his injury problems are behind him, but the next few months are make or break for him. Until we have a look at him on the training pitch, we don't know anything more.
Soccerphile: Spurs begin their pre-season preparations with a trip to your old club Bournemouth. How much are you looking forward to that game?
Redknapp: I always enjoy going back to Dean Court. Bournemouth is a club that's in my blood, a club that I have deep affection for and one that I look to help as much as possible. Throughout my time in management, I've allowed the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Jermain Defoe to join the Cherries on loan and Eddie Howe always knows he can talk to me on the loan front.
© Andy Greeves & Soccerphile.com
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